PKD Foundation

PKD Foundation
Formation1982
Tax ID no.43-1266906
Location
Websitepkdcure.org

The PKD Foundation is a United States non-profit organization that funds research into polycystic kidney disease (PKD). It is the second-largest U.S.-based funder of PKD research after the National Institutes of Health.[1][2][3] They have funded $30 million in research and leveraged over $1 billion in federal funding for PKD.[4]

Founded in 1982 by Joseph H. Bruening and Jared J. Grantham, the PKD Foundation is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri.[2]

Staff

The PKD Foundation is currently headed by Susan Bushnell, who formerly held leadership positions at Junior Diabetes Research International and the March of Dimes, among others.[5]

Legislation Supported

In June 2026, the organization supported the introduction in the US House of Representatives of the PKD Cures Act, the first bill ever specifically focused on PKD. The legislation, which was sponsored by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV), Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), and Rep. Don Bacon (R-ME) strengthens and expands federal research efforts on PKD.[6][7]

References

  1. ↑ Butenas, Ann (8 May 2018). "New FDA-Approved Drug Gives PKD Patients Inspired Hope". Healthy Kansas City Magazine. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  2. 1 2 "PKD Foundation". National Health Council. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  3. ↑ Lieberman, Lily (25 June 2019). "KC Charity Will Invest $5M to Find a Cure for PKD". Kansas City Business Journal. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  4. ↑ "About the Foundation - Polycystic kidney disease | PKD treatment research | PKD Foundation". pkdcure.org. 2020-02-21. Retrieved 2026-06-24.
  5. ↑ "Leadership team - Polycystic kidney disease | PKD treatment research | PKD Foundation". pkdcure.org. 2024-12-09. Retrieved 2026-06-24.
  6. ↑ "PKD Foundation Applauds Ground-Breaking Introduction of the PKD Cures Act in Congress - Polycystic kidney disease | PKD treatment research | PKD Foundation". pkdcure.org. 2026-06-05. Retrieved 2026-06-24.
  7. ↑ "Wasserman Schultz, Miller, Cleaver, Bacon Introduce Legislation to Accelerate Cures for Polycystic Kidney Disease". Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz : Biography. 2026-06-05. Retrieved 2026-06-24.